7.3 powerstroke..white smoke comes out of the tailpipe..RPM

Customer Question

I have a 2000 7.3 powerstroke. It starts up fine idles ok but white smoke comes out of the tailpipe. When i give it fuel, I get a lot of white smoke and cant get the RPM much over 1500. I can let of the fuel and it will idle but its rough. I had a lot of oil in the valley below the Fuel bowl and the turbo. the sleeve and nut on the IPR was missing. I replaced the IPR valve but no change. I checked the oil level in the HPOP reservoir and it is fine. If anyone has any ideas please let me know

no. I let it idle for about 10 min and it is the same. When I give it fuel it really smokes. the smoke is white. this is the first time it hasn't cleared up. about a week ago it started fine. I left the house made it about a mile and it started loading up. I drained the fuel out of the filter cranked on it for about 20 seconds and it started ran and rough at first then cleared up. Yesterday it didn't die but it wouldn't run much more the an idle. I can give it fuel the rpms come up a little but it wont clear up. it acts like it is sucking air but I have no idea where to start. the turbo turns easy and doesn't make any noise. It doesn't have a knock and it really doesn't sound like it has a miss. It acts like its dumping raw fuel.

I had the injectors replaced less than a year ago. I noticed that one of the HPOP supply hoses are loose. there is no fuel coming from the hose so I didnt know if this is normal. It is loose at the pump. I can move it side to side but no fuel comes out.

yes i service my truck every 5000 miles. I am the parts manager for a peterbilt and med duty GM dealership and have worked in the parts dept. for 19 years since I got out of high school (KW and Pete) I know the ford and cat HUEI fuel systems are similar so I know how important changing the oil is to the fuel system. I know a lot of good mechanic but none of them are familiar enough or have the software to work on my 7.3. What is the deal with the valve cover gaskets. I had someone say something about that but it doesn't make since to me. I know i don't have injector problems. there are no active codes. during the injector cut out test 6 injectors failed at different times and then they were fine. Its almost like a ground problem or a connection problem but the harness is in real good shape and tight seals look good. Like i said I am wanting info on where to look.

The valve cover gasket issues reside at the connection under the valve cover between the injector harness and the valve cover gasket. If found to be seperating you can install revised retainer clips from Ford part #2c3z-14a163-ab. This is usually accompanied by a check engine light and P1316 code in the PCM. Does it pass the Injector Electrical self-test? Reading back we probably have a fuel pressure concern and should do a pressure test at the supply side of the pump with the truck running and moreso when it is acting up. We dont want to see pressure drop below 45psi. Let me know what we find, thanks.

What Customers are Saying:

AlvinC answered a question about my Ford truck that only someone with an in-depth knowledge of his subject would have known what was going on. Rich DUSA

Because of your expertise, you armed me with enough ammunition to win the battle with the dealer. They are installing a fuel filter and fuel pump at no charge to me. MollyUSA

I needed help with my car on Saturday morning....got a response in 5 minutes, and it was the perfect solution. Thanks again to your service.
Jason V.Kirkland, WA

I do know, after going though this with JustAnswer, that I can somewhat trust my mechanic but I will always contact you prior to going there.BRNew Jersey

I would (and have) recommend your site to others I was quite satisfied with the quality of the information received, the professional with whom I interacted, and the quick response time. Thanks, and be sure that I'll be back whenever I need a question answered in a hurry.Stephanie PElm City, NC

used your service this weekend with "Trecers" help. thank you ,thank you, thank you. replaced an A/C fan motor. Local Auto Zone had part. $15.00 "tracer" fee and $40.00 for parts, I saved several hundreds of dollers at a shop. i will
recommend you and use you in the future.David L.Richmond, TX

9 dollars, 2 hours of my time, and I drove away. Your diagnosis was right on the mark. Thank you so much. PhilMarysville, CA

Meet The Experts:

Ron

ASE Certified Technician

Satisfied Customers:

21833

23 years with Ford specializing in drivability and electrical and AC. Ford certs and ASE Certs

Ask a Ford Mechanic

Get a Professional Answer. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.

138 Ford Mechanics are Online Now

Type Your Ford Question Here...

characters left:

Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the "Verified" symbol in some Experts' profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.